Exercises near the Korean border

The South Korean military command asserts that the manoeuvres are defensive in nature and are part of routine exercises conducted in waters south of the maritime demarcation line. They took place as scheduled on Thursday, July 2. These were the second manoeuvres of this type in 2026 and the fifth since their resumption in 2024. Initially, there was uncertainty as to whether the exercises would be carried out due to the liberal administration in Seoul. Incumbent President Lee Jae-myung tends to seek de-escalation and the reduction of tensions between the Koreas.

The manoeuvres were conducted on the islands of Baengnyeong and Yeonpyeong, near the maritime demarcation line. The equipment utilised included K9 self-propelled howitzers, Chunmoo multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS) and Spike missiles. A total of approximately 330 rounds were fired.

Regular exercises in this region were suspended in 2018 under an agreement with Pyongyang. This pact was terminated in mid-2024 by South Korea following a decision by the then-conservative government of President Yoon Suk-yeol. The new president appears to favor a different approach toward the northern neighbor. Nevertheless, relations between the two states remain strained, and conducting military exercises near the border will not have a positive impact on bilateral relations.